February 13, 2008 Edition

Jacob Robins (from left), Ranie Robinett, Dallas Boggs, Tyler Newell and Ryan Duff load items (for tornado victims in Arkansas) into a truck at Cavenaugh Ford. The group purchased the items with money they received for taking first place in the Business Expo at Rector School.

BR GTC students win expo,
use funds for tornado victims

Seventh and eighth grade students in Black Rock High School's Gifted, Talented and Creative Program took first place in the first Business Expo hosted by Rector School District on Feb. 5.

Participants were required to create and market a new innovation and company. Black Rock students displayed a project entitled "The Cell Guard - Cell-A-Lot Inc." Projects were judged on specific criteria, and areas of competition included best marketing plan, best business plan, quality of product/service, company financials/profit, best commercial/business card and the overall competition. Dr. Dale, a professor at Arkansas State University, was the head judge and spokesperson.

The Black Rock team won a first place trophy, $100 and a ribbon for their marketing piece; a first place trophy, $100 and a ribbon for their business plan; second place ribbons for their product's quality and commercial/business cards.

They also won a first place trophy, $200 and a ribbon for the overall competition.

Members of the Black Rock Team were Ranie Robinett, Jacob Robins, Dallas Boggs, Tyler Newell and Ryan Duff. Each team member received $80 for their own personal use. As a group, they decided to donate 10 percent of their earnings to buy supplies for the tornado victims in Arkansas.

Last Friday the students went to Wal-Mart in Walnut Ridge and purchased non-perishable items. They delivered the items to Cavenaugh Ford to be placed in a pickup truck for delivery.